To what extent is the Catholic Church central to Rome's status as a Essay

To what extent is the Catholic church service central to capital of Italys status as a contemporary World City - Essay Example another(prenominal) factors such as economic activities, politics, and geographical location have also shaped the city into its stream status. The history and development of Rome City can be traced back during the romish Empire. The influences of the tradition of the Roman Empire are evident in the architecture of the citys buildings and other structures. Architecture was undeniable in the growth and success of Rome. Formal architecture like basilicas and temples, and their related structures such as aqueducts and bridge have played significant roles in shaping Rome into its current status. Although there are several(prenominal) factors that led to the development and success of Rome City, this paper mainly focuses on the influence of the Catholic church service on Romes current claims to World City status. Introduction Rome, or particularly Vatican City , is the concentre of the Roman Catholic religion. It was pronounced a sovereign nation in 1929 as a progeny of Lateran Accords (Giorgi, 2008 p223). Earlier, before it was designated as a sovereign state, Vatican comprised of smaller Papal States. Vatican City exists as a walled-enclave in Rome, and it is the worlds smallest country. The Lateran Accord of 1929 pronounced Roman Catholicism the official religion of Italy (Davies & Nichols, 2006 p5). It is, therefore, obvious that al near of the countys development and success has been cultural. Roman Catholicism beliefs and architectures are deeply rooted in Romes landscape. Being a Roman Catholicism Empire, the Vatican City is ruled by Pope, whose office is the highest in Catholic Church, and serves as the headquarter s of the Roman Catholic Church (Davies & Nichols, 2006 p6). Vatican City is situated on the Vatican heap surrounded by Rome, which is Italys Capital City, and it covers an area of 44 hectares (Nicolet, 1991 p13). Th e city is surrounded by metempsychosis and medieval walls, constructed using the ancient roman architectural designs, which separates it from other cities except St. Peters Square. Within the city, there are a number of magnificent gardens, buildings, complex of courtyards, and a well organized network of roads and pass paths (Nicolet, 1991 p13). History of the Vatican City The first foundation, basilica, in the city was laid down by Emperor Constantine the capacious in the 14th Century AD. This foundation is what is believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, who the Catholics claim to be the first Pope. The huge regions of the Vatican Valley and Hill, was anciently used for chariot races and other sports, and as a burial ground (Bonechi Books, 2000 p4). As time passed by, this region became a sacred ground where the Roman Catholic used to perform most of their functions. In the following century, Popes who returned from France established themselves, and took official residence in t he Vatican City, and reconstructed the Vatican Palace and the St. Peter basilica to expand its size, beautify its gardens, and add more buildings to accommodate their brassal offices (Lanciani, 2009 p123). In the late 16th Century, the government of the Vatican and Popes officially occupied Quirinal Palace, located in the outcasts of the Vatican City. The government of Italy, in 1870, confiscated Papal States, and the Popes lived in Vatican as self imposed prisoners for over fifty years (Lanciani, 2009